Finding a penny in your car door handle might seem like random happenstance, but it could actually be a warning sign. When I recently discovered one in my vehicle’s handle, it sparked my curiosity and led me down a rabbit hole of research that every car owner should know about.
Security professionals explain that criminals sometimes place small objects like coins in door mechanisms to prevent proper latching. This creates an opportunity for them to return later and easily access your car. While it sounds like something from a spy movie, this low-tech trick is surprisingly effective, especially on older vehicles where the coin can interfere with central locking systems.
However, there are innocent explanations too. That penny could have been placed by:
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Kids playing games
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A passenger absentmindedly fiddling with change
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Wind or weather pushing it into place
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Completely random circumstance
The internet is full of conflicting stories – some claim it’s a thief’s marking system, others say it’s an old parking lot attendant tradition. The truth is hard to pin down, which is why caution is key.
When I found the penny in my door, I took several precautionary steps:
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Thoroughly inspected all door mechanisms
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Manually checked each lock
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Took photos for documentation
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Notified parking security
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Varied my parking routine for several days
